I really recommend a light timer. The simple ones are pretty cheap, less than $20, and they give your fish (and plants) a consistant schedule AND it's one less task that has to be performed. I confess I occasionally 'cheat' when the light goes off before I'm done enjoying my fish for the evening and turn the lights back on for a little while. As far as fish in the spotlight, both my tanks have 'dark corners' that the fish can hang out in if they're feeling tired of the limelight. One tank because there are spaces between the light fixtures, and the other because I've blocked some of the light on the sides.